Truth be known we handload because we like to and it doesn't have a blinking thing to do with economics. So take a snort of bore cleaner, light off a dram a powder, and jump in with the rest of us. You'll be rubbing your head and scatching your butt in a couple of years trying to figure out how to wring out a couple more tenths of an inch or a little more speed. Have fun.

Truth be known we handload because we like to and it doesn't have a blinking thing to do with economics. So take a snort of bore cleaner, light off a dram a powder, and jump in with the rest of us. You'll be rubbing your head and scatching your butt in a couple of years trying to figure out how to wring out a couple more tenths of an inch or a little more speed. Have fun.

I started reloading ammo in 1953 with a low price press so that I could shoot more with the limited money I had at that time. I based the decision on being able to reload a rifle case five times when computing my cost per round with out including the cost of the reloading equipment. Back then I found that I could reload ammo that was far more accurate than factory ammo. The quality of the higher cost factory ammo has improved since I started reloading but the hand loaded ammo accuracy has also improved. Reloading has ben a life long hobby for me but I also learned how to give bolt action rifles a tune up so I could get better groups with my reloads.

I actually took reloading in high school, along with archery, and hunter, snowmobile, and driver safety courses. It was pretty much assumed that any male would engage in these activities.
70s Local thing..
It was flat out taught that factory ammo was wasteful to a good weapon and deer meat.

I started reloading ammo in 1953 with a low price press so that I could shoot more with the limited money I had at that time. I based the decision on being able to reload a rifle case five times when computing my cost per round with out including the cost of the reloading equipment. Back then I found that I could reload ammo that was far more accurate than factory ammo. The quality of the higher cost factory ammo has improved since I started reloading but the hand loaded ammo accuracy has also improved. Reloading has ben a life long hobby for me but I also learned how to give bolt action rifles a tune up so I could get better groups with my reloads.

I started about the same time...and for the same reasons!

If I wasn't a reloader, I wouldn't have the knowledge of capability to amaze my high power shooting friends when my 223 HBAR beat their M-1A's at 600 and 1000 yards. 80 grain bullets were only available to reloaders in '89-90's. Now, nearly everyone's shooting them in competition.

Well, I'll be loading up my 1st batch tomorrow with the new loader. I'll be loading up 25.06 with Nosler 117gr bt, H4850 powder and cci primers. So, we'll see how they work out at the range on Saturday. Thanks for all the info on this thread guys.